The Impact of Coaching: Teams Rise or Fall with Their Leaders

These last few weeks of college football have been exhilarating. Upsets being pulled left and right, outstanding conference showdowns, and unbelievable rivalry collisions. Every win hinged on brilliant coaching or was handed over by a flawed strategy. That's why a solid coaching strategy is crucial; it shapes the entire team's performance.

Coaching Triumphs: Teams That Rose to Success

Ohio State is a great team, ranked first overall, and always focused during the game. This is all due to their coaches' great strategies. Ryan Days' coaching strategy centers on maintaining core offensive principles, even as play callers rotate, ensuring system stability and player familiarity. By emphasizing the passing game, he creates a foundation for quarterback development and receiver precision.

With Brian Hartline now calling plays, Day continues to prioritize a dynamic passing attack that capitalizes on Hartline's expertise. This approach not only accelerates player growth over time but also prepares them for NFL-level competition. Also, because of Days' offensive system, Ohio State was able to take down Washington 24-6 last week. This win not only showcased the effectiveness of Day's strategic vision but also reinforced Ohio State's identity as a program built on precision adaptability and elite player development. 

Oregon's rise to second in the rankings is no accident; the Ducks continue to deliver unpredictable high-impact plays thanks to Dan Lanning's exceptional coaching style, drawing from his championship pedigree as Georgia’s former defensive coordinator. Lanning has instilled a relentless defensive mindset built on speed, pressure, and physicality. Yet, his influence doesn’t stop there. By staying actively involved in offensive planning, he ensures strategic cohesion across the entire team.

This hands-on, balanced approach fosters player versatility, sharpens instincts, and equips athletes to excel under pressure. Lanning’s leadership also cultivates a culture of accountability and confidence, where players are empowered to take ownership of their roles and rise to the moment. It’s a system designed not just to win games. It’s also built to create warriors.

Coaching Challenges: Teams That Fell Due to Poor Leadership

Texas has not been performing at its highest. Despite Arch Manning being an excellent player. They have dropped from number one to number nine in just a few weeks—a slide that raises questions about execution and consistency. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns operate with an aggressive, attack-oriented philosophy, often going for it on fourth down and favoring explosive plays over conservative calls. Sarkisian is also known for his quarterback development and emotional intelligence, encouraging players to play loose and instinctively rather than under pressure.

However, this bold style can backfire when execution falters, especially on “money downs” like third and fourth. Sarkisian has acknowledged these struggles, emphasizing the need for sharper situational awareness and cleaner play design. His hands-on approach and player-first culture remain strengths. However, recent performances suggest that refining strategic discipline and tightening game-day decisions will be key to regaining momentum.

Last season, Clemson was on fire. Now, Clemson isn’t performing at the level fans have come to expect. Even though they were expected to bounce back in Week Two. After years of dominance, the Tigers are facing growing pains that reflect deeper strategic challenges. Head coach Dabo Swinney’s commitment to internal promotions and loyalty to longtime staff has drawn criticism, especially as offensive struggles persist.

While his culture-first approach still fosters player growth and resilience, the lack of schematic evolution, particularly on offense, has made it harder for Clemson to keep pace with more adaptive programs. To get better results, Swiney will need to balance his aggressive instincts with calculated precision, ensuring that bold calls are backed by flawless execution and situational control. Defensively, the team remains aggressive, but inconsistency in execution and depth has exposed vulnerabilities. For players, this means fewer opportunities to thrive in dynamic systems and more pressure to compensate for strategic rigidity. The result: a transition program, trying to rediscover its edge while staying true to its identity. To regain momentum, Clemson will need to evolve tactically, blending its traditional grit with modern flexibility.